Tiny the Terrier

Digital version – browse, print or download

How to print the digital edition of Books for Keeps: click on this PDF file link - click on the printer icon in the top right of the screen to print.

BfK Newsletter

Receive the latest news & reviews direct to your inbox!

Email: *

Subscribe

Unsubscribe

BfK No. 117 - July 1999

Cover StoryThis issue’s cover is from J K Rowling's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third book in what is already a classic new series. The first two titles were Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for their help. Cover image based on original artwork by Cliff Wright

Tiny the Terrier

Tom lives with his parents in a cottage in the grounds of Markeaton Park. Tom’s dad is head gardener there. Markeaton Park used to be a big house but is now a museum and park. Many years ago there had been a tragedy in the park, when a giant oak crashed onto a carriage during a storm, killing the lady of the house and the coach driver.

Today, however, Tom’s family has its own tragedy. Tom’s mum has left home for a while to try and get over losing her baby. But Tom and his dad are missing her very much. Tom plans to surprise her by going to see her on her birthday. However, whilst he is making plans, a small fox terrier appears and starts to follow him around. Tom realizes that this is no ordinary terrier – she does not eat or drink, she disappears and other dogs are afraid of her. This terrier has appeared for a reason but Tom does not know what it is until the fateful night when his mother returns.

Tiny the Terrier is a ghost story, but it is also a story about a family being fractured by grief and a young boy’s need for his mother. The book is more complex, being aimed at fluent readers, and it has a strong feeling of place, atmosphere, emotion and suspense. However, its supernatural element is benign rather than frightening for the age range.